Testing alternative Testing alternative medicinemedicine

Burden, blessing or both?Burden, blessing or both?

Background information

Had acupuncture therapy as teenager. It did not help. Prayer did.

Interested throughout medical studies Interaction with colleagues and healers in

Africa, Asia and Europe >10 years Three years of research leading to book

with four other authors in 1993 Presently working on revised edition CDK and CGH in Switzerland

Never forget• We are talking about people in the first place

– People who are suffering

– People who want to help them

• Discernment and compassion belong together

• Evaluation is not judgement or condemnation

• The truth should be shared in love

Some initial questionsSome initial questions

• Am I really willing to change my views on the Am I really willing to change my views on the basis of an honest presentation of the truth?basis of an honest presentation of the truth?

• What if:What if:

• I (partially) earn my living with a therapy I (partially) earn my living with a therapy that is biblically unacceptable?that is biblically unacceptable?

• People I love use unacceptable therapies?People I love use unacceptable therapies?

• I have been deceived?I have been deceived?

Why test (alternative) medicine?Why test (alternative) medicine?

1.1. Wise stewards of God’s creation test Wise stewards of God’s creation test everything and use the good to bless everything and use the good to bless the sick and suffering, 1 Thessalonians the sick and suffering, 1 Thessalonians 5: 215: 21

2.2. We are warned against deception, We are warned against deception, Colossians 2: 1-8 Colossians 2: 1-8

3.3. We should be ready to give an account We should be ready to give an account of our beliefs to anyone who asks, 1 of our beliefs to anyone who asks, 1 Peter 3: 15-16Peter 3: 15-16

Definition of Alternative MedicineDefinition of Alternative Medicine

All forms of diagnosis and therapy, All forms of diagnosis and therapy,

that are not taught as examination subjects that are not taught as examination subjects in medical schools.in medical schools.

Two main elements: Two main elements: •Not accepted by regular medical Not accepted by regular medical schoolsschools•Frequently alternative paradigms of Frequently alternative paradigms of thinkingthinking

Two main streams in practice:Two main streams in practice:

Those that Those that

1.1. ReplaceReplace regular scientific medicine regular scientific medicine ((alternative medicine alternative medicine exclusively), exclusively),

or those thator those that

2.2. ComplementComplement regular scientific regular scientific medicine (medicine (complementary medicine)complementary medicine)

An overview of (alternative) medicine

© Dr. A. Hasler 2001

Regular scientific medicine

Complementary medicine

Alternative medicine

Popular “medicine”

Atropine / Codeine / Scopolamine / Digoxin / Morphine

Rational phytotherapy

- Standardized extracts -

Traditional herbal therapy

Homeopathy Anthroposophic medicine

Ayurvedic medicine

Chinese medicine

Aromatherapy

Bach therapy

Popular books Popular magazines

Manual therapy Chiropractic

F.1 Necessary?

This is available

This is acceptable

F.2 Effective?

F.3 Appropriate?

F.4 Ethically OK?

F.5 Occult or not?

Five Screening Filters

Biblical basis for the five filters

1. Stewardship Mandate for F1-3– Genesis 1: 26-30; 2: 15; 9: 1-7

2. God’s moral laws for F4– Keep in mind

1. Personal conscience

2. Christian freedom, Rom. 14; 1. Cor. 8-10 (MSI)

3. God’s fixed borders for F5– Deuteronomy 18: 9-14 (Absolutes)

Behälter mit Thorarolleaus: Jerusalemer Bibel Lexikon,

Hänssler Verlag 1990

Filter 1: Is it necessary?Filter 1: Is it necessary?

Medicalization: Problems to be solved Medicalization: Problems to be solved medicallymedically

Consumer mentality: Buy health from doctorConsumer mentality: Buy health from doctor Hypochondria: imagined illness (what is Hypochondria: imagined illness (what is

root?)root?) Is it really necessary or is it the –Is it really necessary or is it the –

wish of the doctor / practitionerwish of the doctor / practitioner wish of the patientwish of the patient common use in certain situationscommon use in certain situations

Filter 2: Is it effective?Filter 2: Is it effective?

Possibilities regarding effectiveness:Possibilities regarding effectiveness:

1.1. It does not work at all or it may even be It does not work at all or it may even be unhealthyunhealthy

2.2. It works through usual healing powersIt works through usual healing powers1.1. Creational healing power of the bodyCreational healing power of the body

2.2. Creational pneumo-psycho-somatic interactionCreational pneumo-psycho-somatic interaction

3.3. Pharmacologically active substancesPharmacologically active substances

4.4. Placebo effect, ca. 35 % (15-58 %)Placebo effect, ca. 35 % (15-58 %)

5.5. Still unknown, but usual healing powersStill unknown, but usual healing powers

3.3. It works through unusual healing powersIt works through unusual healing powers1.1. Signs and wondersSigns and wonders

2.2. Magic / witchcraft / sorceryMagic / witchcraft / sorcery

Filter 3: Is it appropriate?Filter 3: Is it appropriate?

1.1. AgeAge

2.2. SexSex

3.3. FinancesFinances

4.4. Cultural / Social factorsCultural / Social factors

5.5. Drug interactions Drug interactions

6.6. Contra-indicationsContra-indications

7.7. Risk adverse reactionsRisk adverse reactions

Filter 4: Is it ethically acceptable?Filter 4: Is it ethically acceptable?

1.1. What would be good for relationships? What would be good for relationships? Think: Love God and love neighbour Think: Love God and love neighbour

2.2. How would a good person act in this How would a good person act in this situation? For us: WWJD?situation? For us: WWJD?

3.3. What would have good What would have good consequences?consequences?

4.4. What are the responsibilities of the What are the responsibilities of the relevant parties?relevant parties?

F.5: Occultism – 6 aspectsF.5: Occultism – 6 aspects

1.1. Pollution through esoteric world view elementsPollution through esoteric world view elements1.1. Comments about the explanatory modelsComments about the explanatory models

1.1. Original explanatory model reflects mindset of the pioneersOriginal explanatory model reflects mindset of the pioneers2.2. Replace the original explanatory model as necessaryReplace the original explanatory model as necessary3.3. Unknown does not necessarily mean occultUnknown does not necessarily mean occult

2.2. Commonest esoteric elementsCommonest esoteric elements1.1. Micro-cosmos / Macro-cosmos thinkingMicro-cosmos / Macro-cosmos thinking2.2. Unusual linking stars / seasons / elements / food types / Unusual linking stars / seasons / elements / food types /

organs / diseases organs / diseases 3.3. Philosophy that reality consists of a few elements (3, 4 or 5) Philosophy that reality consists of a few elements (3, 4 or 5) 4.4. Esoteric energy has to be harmonized / stimulated / flowingEsoteric energy has to be harmonized / stimulated / flowing

Danger: World view pollution / poisoning of the Danger: World view pollution / poisoning of the mindmind

F.5: Occultism – 6 aspectsF.5: Occultism – 6 aspects

2.2. Diagnosis with the use of forbidden unusual Diagnosis with the use of forbidden unusual powers:powers:

1.1. Soothsaying (unusual insights in the relationships Soothsaying (unusual insights in the relationships between things/situations/people and between things/situations/people and health/disease; insights not obtainable through the health/disease; insights not obtainable through the use of the five senses only)use of the five senses only)

2.2. Clairvoyance (unusual insights obtained through Clairvoyance (unusual insights obtained through communication with demons, including those that communication with demons, including those that pretend to be the spirits of the sick or some other pretend to be the spirits of the sick or some other human).human).

Danger: Demonization Danger: Demonization

F.5: Occultism – 6 aspectsF.5: Occultism – 6 aspects

3.3. Therapy with the aid of forbidden unusual Therapy with the aid of forbidden unusual powers:powers:1.1. Changes in the health situation of a person Changes in the health situation of a person

through unusual powers (usually aiming at the through unusual powers (usually aiming at the harmonising of cosmic energy) harmonising of cosmic energy)

Danger: DemonizationDanger: Demonization

4.4. Use of techniques that open patients up for Use of techniques that open patients up for possible demonic influencespossible demonic influences1.1. Causing passive mental states: hypnosis or Causing passive mental states: hypnosis or

trancetrance

Danger: Caught in Satan’s trap = BondageDanger: Caught in Satan’s trap = Bondage

F.5: Occultism – 6 aspectsF.5: Occultism – 6 aspects

5.5. Initiate patient into the use of unusual powersInitiate patient into the use of unusual powers1.1. Possible through getting them involved with Possible through getting them involved with

soothsaying, clairvoyance, witchcraft, sorcery or magicsoothsaying, clairvoyance, witchcraft, sorcery or magic

Danger: DemonizationDanger: Demonization

6.6. Curses/magic formulas over patients / Curses/magic formulas over patients / medicamentsmedicaments

1.1. It is a form of witchcraft / magic / sorceryIt is a form of witchcraft / magic / sorcery

Danger: Strengthening a pre-existent occult Danger: Strengthening a pre-existent occult bondagebondage

Encouragement for the Christian - Proverbs 26:2Encouragement for the Christian - Proverbs 26:2

Recommendations for Christian doctorsRecommendations for Christian doctors

1.1. Share with colleagues: Share with colleagues: humility, compassion, professionalismhumility, compassion, professionalism

2.2. Study and research: Study and research: Phyto-therapy, Trigger Point Massage, etc.Phyto-therapy, Trigger Point Massage, etc.

3.3. Critical evaluation of regular scientific medicineCritical evaluation of regular scientific medicine1.1. Reductionism; can a God-less doctor be a good doctor?Reductionism; can a God-less doctor be a good doctor?

4.4. Network: Biblical-Christian Healthcare - international Network: Biblical-Christian Healthcare - international 1.1. Via Via www.hfe.orgwww.hfe.org or or www.hcf-international.comwww.hcf-international.com or or

www.icmda.netwww.icmda.net

2.2. CDK, CiCP, CIG, CMA, CMS, ICMDA, Journal Christian CDK, CiCP, CIG, CMA, CMS, ICMDA, Journal Christian Healthcare; HCF, MedIchthys, NCFHealthcare; HCF, MedIchthys, NCF

5.5. Take patient’s use of alternative medicine seriouslyTake patient’s use of alternative medicine seriously1.1. Reckon with it in anamnesis, diagnosis, therapyReckon with it in anamnesis, diagnosis, therapy

2.2. Careful counselling about OK or not-OK alternative medicineCareful counselling about OK or not-OK alternative medicine

Filter 1: Is acupuncture necessary?Filter 1: Is acupuncture necessary?

1.1. Arguments for:Arguments for:1.1. Normal scientific medicine is too Normal scientific medicine is too

materialisticmaterialistic2.2. ‘‘No’ to medication with adverse reactionsNo’ to medication with adverse reactions3.3. Use acupuncture as missionary toolUse acupuncture as missionary tool4.4. Only limited means availableOnly limited means available5.5. Nothing else has helpedNothing else has helped

2.2. Arguments against:Arguments against:1.1. It does not workIt does not work2.2. Only placebo-effectOnly placebo-effect3.3. It is occultIt is occult

Filter 2: Is acupuncture effective?Filter 2: Is acupuncture effective?1.1. NO =NO =Ter Riet et al (1990; inc. Medline 1963-Ter Riet et al (1990; inc. Medline 1963-

1988 ): Meta-Analysis of 91 usable, published 1988 ): Meta-Analysis of 91 usable, published trials over a period of 17 years; 12 % is >50% trials over a period of 17 years; 12 % is >50% reliable; none more reliable than 68%. The reliable; none more reliable than 68%. The more thorough the research, the less positive more thorough the research, the less positive the results = no conclusive evidence.the results = no conclusive evidence.

2.2. Possibly YES =Possibly YES = Linde et al (2001; inc. Medline Linde et al (2001; inc. Medline 1989-2000): Meta-Analysis of 39 usable 1989-2000): Meta-Analysis of 39 usable published trials; positive for post-operative published trials; positive for post-operative nauseanausea; negative as help to stop smoking; negative as help to stop smoking

3.3. Yes = Yes = GerAc research project: in certain types GerAc research project: in certain types of complaints, mostly related to pain/allergy of complaints, mostly related to pain/allergy reliefrelief

F.3: Is acupuncture appropriate?F.3: Is acupuncture appropriate?

1.1. Age – no issue Age – no issue 2.2. Sex – no issueSex – no issue3.3. Finances – issue if presented as cure-allFinances – issue if presented as cure-all4.4. Culture/social – family/patient pressure Culture/social – family/patient pressure

can be severecan be severe5.5. Drug interactions – no issueDrug interactions – no issue6.6. Contra-indications – only if ineffective or Contra-indications – only if ineffective or

occultoccult7.7. Risk adverse reactions – no issueRisk adverse reactions – no issue8.8. Possibly appropriate in demythologized Possibly appropriate in demythologized

symptomatic usesymptomatic use

F.4: Is acupuncture ethical?F.4: Is acupuncture ethical?

1.1. What facts are relevant?What facts are relevant?1.1. Overlap with nerve/artery/vein triads + with muscle trigger Overlap with nerve/artery/vein triads + with muscle trigger

pointspoints2.2. ?Possible to determine points more accurately electrically?Possible to determine points more accurately electrically3.3. Classical acupuncture anatomy seriously outdatedClassical acupuncture anatomy seriously outdated

2.2. What consequences are relevant?What consequences are relevant?1.1. Who/what is trusted for healing?Who/what is trusted for healing?

3.3. Does it really help?Does it really help?1.1. GerAc research says YES. Relief of pain GerAc research says YES. Relief of pain

4.4. Is it harmful?Is it harmful?1.1. Van Dijk (1980) 10.000 therapeutic sessionsVan Dijk (1980) 10.000 therapeutic sessions

1.1. Pneumothorax (a few cases)Pneumothorax (a few cases)2.2. Hepatitis, burn wounds (very rare)Hepatitis, burn wounds (very rare)

5.5. Does it promote responsible behaviour?Does it promote responsible behaviour?1.1. Usually patients not made dependent on practitionerUsually patients not made dependent on practitioner

Filter 5: Is acupuncture occult?Filter 5: Is acupuncture occult?

1.1. Promoting non-biblical views of God, man, Promoting non-biblical views of God, man, health / disease and world?health / disease and world?1.1. Almost always = World view pollutionAlmost always = World view pollution2.2. Note: Western version has little worldview Note: Western version has little worldview

pollutionpollution

2.2. Diagnosis with forbidden unusual powers?Diagnosis with forbidden unusual powers?1.1. Rare in the West until now. Depends on Rare in the West until now. Depends on

practitioner.practitioner.

3.3. Therapy with forbidden unusual powers?Therapy with forbidden unusual powers?1.1. Rare in the West until now. Depends on Rare in the West until now. Depends on

practitioner. Some Christian authors say yes. practitioner. Some Christian authors say yes. Evidence difficult to document scientifically.Evidence difficult to document scientifically.

Filter 5: Is acupuncture occult?Filter 5: Is acupuncture occult?

4.4. Techniques that open patients for demonic Techniques that open patients for demonic influenceinfluence

1.1. Hypnosis or Trance possible. Depends in Hypnosis or Trance possible. Depends in practitioner.practitioner.

5.5. Initiation in use of forbidden unusual powers?Initiation in use of forbidden unusual powers?1.1. Rare in the West until now. Depends on Rare in the West until now. Depends on

practitioner. practitioner.

6.6. Curse or magic spell during therapy?Curse or magic spell during therapy?1.1. Rare in the West until now. Depends on Rare in the West until now. Depends on

practitioner.practitioner.

F.1: Ist Homöopathie notwendig?F.1: Ist Homöopathie notwendig?

1.1. Argumente dafür:Argumente dafür:1.1. normale wissenschaftliche Medizin ist zu normale wissenschaftliche Medizin ist zu

materialistischmaterialistisch

2.2. >nein = zu Medikamenten mit Nebeneffekten>nein = zu Medikamenten mit Nebeneffekten

3.3. verfügbare Mittel: begrenzte Mittelverfügbare Mittel: begrenzte Mittel

4.4. nichts anderes hilft mehr: „aus-gearztet“nichts anderes hilft mehr: „aus-gearztet“

2.2. Argumente dagegen:Argumente dagegen:1.1. funktioniert nicht funktioniert nicht Quacksalberei Quacksalberei

2.2. nur Placeboeffektnur Placeboeffekt

3.3. Okkult Okkult Prinzip der „Unsichtbaren Prinzip der „Unsichtbaren Lebenskraft“Lebenskraft“

Filter 2: Ist Homöopathie wirksam?Filter 2: Ist Homöopathie wirksam?

1.1. Hill und DoyonHill und Doyon (1990): 40 Versuche (1990): 40 Versuche1.1. Effektivität nicht bewiesenEffektivität nicht bewiesen

2.2. Kleijnen u.a.Kleijnen u.a. (1991): 107 Versuche (1991): 107 Versuche1.1. 23 von ziemliche Qualität23 von ziemliche Qualität

2.2. 15 davon günstige Ergebnisse15 davon günstige Ergebnisse

3.3. PirtkienPirtkien (1976) Gelenkkrankheiten (1976) Gelenkkrankheiten 1.1. 54% besser mit Homöopathie54% besser mit Homöopathie

2.2. 95% besser mit Medikation95% besser mit Medikation

F.3: Ist Homöopathie angemessen?F.3: Ist Homöopathie angemessen?

1.1. AgeAge2.2. SexSex3.3. FinancesFinances4.4. Culture / Social factorsCulture / Social factors5.5. Drug interactions Drug interactions 6.6. Contra-indicationsContra-indications7.7. Risk adverse reactionsRisk adverse reactions Wenn sie Wenn sie

wirksam wäre, wirksam wäre, im Einzelfall notwendig und nicht schädlich, im Einzelfall notwendig und nicht schädlich,

wäre Homöopathie angemessen.wäre Homöopathie angemessen.

F.4: Homöopathie ethisch tragbar?F.4: Homöopathie ethisch tragbar?

1.1. Was sind die Fakten?Was sind die Fakten?1.1. Zwei Tausend Medikamenten; Fünf Hundert Zwei Tausend Medikamenten; Fünf Hundert

bis zwei Tausend Symptomen pro bis zwei Tausend Symptomen pro Medikament = Vier Millionen Kombinationen Medikament = Vier Millionen Kombinationen möglichmöglich

2.2. Verdünnung: D=10; C=100Verdünnung: D=10; C=100

3.3. Avogadro: D22 – D23 nichts mehr über Avogadro: D22 – D23 nichts mehr über

2.2. Was sind die Folgen?Was sind die Folgen?1.1. Okkulte Einflüsse?Okkulte Einflüsse?

F.4: Homöopathie ethisch tragbar?F.4: Homöopathie ethisch tragbar?

3.3. Hilft sie?Hilft sie?1.1. Phytotherapie besser?Phytotherapie besser?

4.4. Ist sie schädlich?Ist sie schädlich?1.1. In Forschung nichts gefundenIn Forschung nichts gefunden

2.2. Geistlich schädlich, Chr. Schriftsteller wie Feller, Geistlich schädlich, Chr. Schriftsteller wie Feller, Markmann, KunzeMarkmann, Kunze

5.5. Förderung von verantwortungsvollem Förderung von verantwortungsvollem Verhalten?Verhalten?

1.1. Meistens werden die Patienten auf keine ungesunde Meistens werden die Patienten auf keine ungesunde Weise von ihren Heilern abhängig gemacht.Weise von ihren Heilern abhängig gemacht.

Filter 5: Ist Homöopathie okkult?Filter 5: Ist Homöopathie okkult?

1.1. Weiterleitung eines nicht-biblischen Konzepts von Weiterleitung eines nicht-biblischen Konzepts von Gott, Mensch, Gesundheit/Krankheit und Welt?Gott, Mensch, Gesundheit/Krankheit und Welt?1.1. Fast immer Fast immer Verschmutzung der Weltanschauung. Verschmutzung der Weltanschauung.

2.2. Diagnose mit verbotenen, aussergewöhnlichen Diagnose mit verbotenen, aussergewöhnlichen Kräften?Kräften?1.1. Im Westen kaum gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.Im Westen kaum gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.

3.3. Therapie mit verbotenen, aussergewöhnlichen Therapie mit verbotenen, aussergewöhnlichen Kräften?Kräften?1.1. Manchmal. Hängt vom Heiler ab (Pragmatische oder Manchmal. Hängt vom Heiler ab (Pragmatische oder

Klassische Homöopathie).Klassische Homöopathie).2.2. Ja, verschiedene Christliche Schriftsteller.Ja, verschiedene Christliche Schriftsteller.

Filter 5: Ist Homöopathie okkult?Filter 5: Ist Homöopathie okkult?

4.4. Techniken, die den Patienten dämonischem Techniken, die den Patienten dämonischem Einfluß öffnenEinfluß öffnen

1.1. Hypnose oder Trance möglich aber nicht Hypnose oder Trance möglich aber nicht gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.

5.5. Einführung in den Gebrauch von verbotenen, Einführung in den Gebrauch von verbotenen, aussergewöhnlichen Kräften?aussergewöhnlichen Kräften?

1.1. Kaum gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.Kaum gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.

6.6. Beschwörung während der Therapie?Beschwörung während der Therapie?1.1. Kaum gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab. Kaum gebräuchlich. Hängt vom Heiler ab.